I do tell people I don't drink caffeine. When offered coffee or soda I say "no thanks" and if pressed I say "I don't drink caffeine." No one has ever pressed me further. I gave up caffeine in 2008 so I feel comfortable saying that. I just recently (within 2 months) became vegetarian, mostly vegan, so I guess I am not as comfortable saying I don't eat meat yet. I am not committed to being strict yet so I have not ruled out ever having meat again but most of the time I just don't want it. When home, I don't eat dairy but when out I shoot for vegetarian and not so much vegan. It can be hard to find even veggies dishes without some butter product. I just do the best I can.

I agree, most people don't give me any trouble. I've been eating this way for so long now that everyone just knows. However, I have just given up coffee (two weeks ago), all pop (never really drank it anyway), wheat, and all dairy/eggs (occasionally had some) and sugar. I'll just say I'm eating clean if asked.

I use diversion. Typically I'll say something like "I'm really full right now, maybe later." I use the "maybe later" excuse a lot. As of yet, no one has checked up to see if I ever actually had any. No thanks works well too. I usually throw in "That looks delicious." Like "No thanks but that looks delicious." If pressed further I use the "I'm full, maybe later." My goal is to keep it light. In general no one really bothers me about what I am eating. I don't make a big deal about what I can and can not have. I never expect others to accommodate my life choice. I always try to bring something I can eat and load up on that if there are no other options. Fruit salad and/or a veggie tray work well.

I just say no thank you. Everyone knows I follow a vegan diet, so it's no big deal. I practice what I preach and everyone knows it. If I'm pressed for details, I'll say I don't eat wheat, oil, dairy, etc. Whatever it happens to be.

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